The National Weather Service issued an excessive heat warning this for the Benton County lowlands to be in effect from noon Thursday to 11 p.m. Sunday.
Temperatures are expected to reach 100 to 105 during the daytime hours. The hottest stretch is anticipated from Friday through Sunday, peaking on Saturday. Overnight temperatures will also be warm with limited chances to recover from the heat with lows ranging from the mid-60s to low 70s.
The alert adds that there is a 25-35% chance that temperatures will exceed 110 degrees on Saturday and a 10-15% chance that temperatures will exceed 110 degrees Friday and Sunday.
As of Tuesday afternoon, the forecast for Philomath shows daytime highs of 93 on Thursday, 100 on Friday, 104 on Saturday and 98 on Sunday.
“Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sunshine and check up on relatives and neighbors,” the National Weather Service office out of Portland advises. “Do not leave young children and pets in unattended vehicles. Car interiors will reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.”
Heat-related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat events. The Oregon Health Authority published information online about preventing heat-related illness.
Cooling centers, indoor sites that are free for the public to access during designated hours, are typically available. These sites may not be accessible Thursday because of the Fourth of July holiday.
According to 211info.org, there are three cooling centers in Philomath:
- Philomath Community Library, 1050 Applegate St., offers relief during its operating hours (Monday, Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Tuesday and Wednesday from 9 a.m.-7 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.).
- Philomath Fire and Rescue Station 201, 1035 Main St., offers relief from extreme heat when open to the public (weekdays, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.).
- Peace Lutheran Church, 2540 Applegate St., offers relief from extreme heat when daytime temperatures reach or exceed 90 degrees for a prolonged period of time. A covered patio is available for pets. If those temperature conditions occur, the church is available daily from 9 a.m.-6 p.m.